Two charged for Christmas Eve revenge murder in Albouystown

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Monday remanded two men to prison for the murder of 28-year-old Deon Charles known as “Zip” on Christmas Eve.

Mikhel Forde, a 31-year-old taxi driver of Critchlow Street, Tucville, Georgetown and 19-year-old Ezekiel Hawker also known as “Alpha” of Forshaw Street Queenstown, Georgetown appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Hawker reportedly told investigators that he shot and killed Charles who, he claimed, had previously shot him on two occasions.

The men were not required to plea to the charge which alleged that on December 24, 2021, at James Street Albouystown, Georgetown, they murdered Charles.

The Chief Magistrate remanded the duo to prison until January 27, 2022.

According to reports, on the day in question around 23:50hrs, Charles was standing on the southern side of James Street when he was seen by Hawker.

Hawker later returned in a car, which was driven by Forde. He exited the motor car and discharged several rounds in Charles’ direction with his firearm. He then rejoined the motorcar and fled the scene.

Charles, who was shot in his face, was picked up by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The police, after reviewing CCTV footage from nearby businesses, later issued an arrest warrant for Hawker. On December 29, Hawker was arrested in neighbouring Suriname and transported back to Guyana. Forde was arrested on December 26.

Both men allegedly confessed to the crime under caution and also provided statements to the police.